Upon hearing Bettes cries for Tina not to leave her, Alice walked over and put her arms around Bette and tried to calm her.

Bette. Tina is right there. She isnt going anywhere Alice said. We wont let her.

Alices words jolted Bette.

Could it be that was what her dream and the image of Tina floating away were about? Bette thought to herself. Was it a sign that no matter what happened she wouldnt, couldnt give up and let Tina go no matter what she had said or what she did?

Bette, are you okay? Alice asked.

Yes. I just lost it for a minute. Bette said. I am okay now and youre right we wont let her go anywhere.

Bette if youre sure you are okay now, I am going to go call Dana and Shane to let them know what is going on. Alice said. I think they would want to know because they love her too.

I know they love her too. Bette said. Uh, Alice do they know about what happened, I mean about me and?

Bette didnt finish her sentence because she didnt want to take any chance of Tina hearing her saying Candaces name.

No Bette they dont, but they are going to ask questions about why Tina was in Las Vegas and I am not going to lie to them. Alice replied softly. Would you rather tell them yourself?

No. I dont know how I am going to face them Bette replied. They are going to be so angry at me and I dont blame them.

Okay. Take care of her while I am gone. Alice said. Do you need anything? Like something to drink or eat? I could go and pick something up.

No. I just need Tina to be alright. Bette said softly.

Alice walked over and gently touched Tinas face before she left the room. She made her way through the emergency room and finally outside where she could use her cell phone. She was a little apprehensive about calling Dana because they hadnt talked since the kiss but she knew she had no choice. She dialed Danas number and waited for her to answer.

Hello Dana said.

Dana, its Alice Alice said.

Oh. Hi Alice Dana said. How are you?

They both just sat there for a moment or two and Alice decided to just pretend as if the kiss didnt happen.

Ive been better Alice replied.

Whats going on? Dana asked.

Im standing outside a hospital in Las Vegas. Tina was in a car accident. Alice replied.

Is she alright? Dana asked.

She has a broken arm and slight head trauma Alice replied. The doctors have her sedated to keep her calm to give her brain time to heal.

Is she going to be okay? Dana asked.

The doctors are working on keeping the swelling down in her brain but they said only time will tell. Alice replied. I just wanted to let you know and was hoping that you could let Shane know.

Ill find her and tell her. Dana said. Alice, do you think we should come?

I cant answer that one for you Dana. My gut tells me that Tina is going to be okay. Alice replied.

Ill talk it over with Shane and see if she wants to come. Dana said. What hospital is she in?

Mountain View Hospital in Las Vegas Alice replied.

Las Vegas? What was she doing in Las Vegas? Dana asked.

Its a long story. Why dont you find Shane and talk it over as to whether you are coming here or not and call me back? Alice replied.

Okay Ill talk to you soon Dana replied.

Dana hung up the phone and called Shane. She told Shane what had happened and they decided that they wanted to go and see about Tina. They made arrangements for Dana to pick Shane up within the hour. Dana called Alice back to let her know they were coming.

When Alice heard her cell phone ring she knew that it was Dana calling back.

Did you find Shane? Alice asked without bothering to say hello.

Yes. We are coming there. We are leaving in about an hour. Dana said.

Okay I will see you when you get here. Alice said.

After they hung up, Dana went and started gathering up a few items to take with her and explained to Tonya why and where she was going. Tonya offered to go with her but Dana told her that she wasnt sure how long she would be gone and it would be better if she went alone. Shane was waiting for her when she pulled up outside her apartment. She hopped into Danas car and they were soon on the freeway headed to Las Vegas. Alice walked back in to the emergency room and was headed back towards Tinas room when she overheard a woman telling the admitting clerk that she was trying to find her daughter.

Her name is Tina Kennard Julie said.

Yes. She is still here in the emergency room. We are trying to get a room upstairs for her now the admitting clerk said.

Alice approached the woman and introduced herself.

Excuse me. Did I hear you say you were looking for Tina Kennard? Alice asked.

Yes. Julie replied.

I am a friend of Tinas Alice replied. Im Alice

Im Tinas mother, Julie Kennard Julie replied.

Its nice to meet you. Im sorry it is under these circumstances. Alice said.

How is she? How badly is she hurt?? Julie asked.

Alice explained to her what the doctor had told her and Bette.

Can you take me to her?

Sure. Alice replied and started in the direction of Tinas room.

As they opened the door to Tinas room they heard Bette talking softly to Tina.

Baby, you know I love you. You mean everything to me. Bette said. You need to get better so I can look in to your eyes and make sure you can see how much I love you.

Alice and Julie walked on into the room and Julie swiftly walked over to Tinas bed. As she looked down at her and stroked her cheek she began to cry.

Tina, Im here. Your mothers here for you now. Julie said.

Alice and Bette both had tears running down their face as they watched Julie crying over Tina. Neither Bette nor Alice had met Tinas mother before. Bette had only exchanged pleasantries with Julie a few times when she had called for Tina. Tina and her mother had talked some over the years but they hadnt been particularly close. Bette knew that Tina had regretted that they werent close and had talked about paying a visit to her mother to try and see if they could close the gap between them. When Julie had stopped crying Bette approached her. She wanted to introduce her self but she wasnt sure about whether she should shake her hand or hug her and what should she call her.

Ms. Kennard Bette said.

Julie looked up at the woman standing before her and recognized her from the few photos that Tina had sent her over the years.

Hello Ms. Porter. Julie said. Or may I call you Bette?

Of course Bette said. I am glad to meet you finally.

I am glad to meet you too. Julie replied as she held out her hand to Bette. Im sorry that we havent met before.

Me too Bette said as she took Julies hand and held it as they looked down at Tina. Shes going to be okay you know. She has to because shes my life.

She is lucky to have someone who loves her like that. Julie said.

No. I am the lucky one. Bette said softly.

About that time a nurse walked in to the room to check on Tinas vitals and to prepare her for a move upstairs to an ICU room.

We are getting ready to move Ms. Kennard upstairs to ICU but I am going to need next of kin to fill out all of the paperwork for insurance etc. the nurse said.

Julie looked at Bette and Bette looked at Julie. Julie didnt know if Bette and Tina had insurance together or separately or if Tina had insurance at all. She knew that they were not legally married and she wasnt sure what rights Bette had concerning Tinas care.

Bette sensing Julies confusion spoke up.

Ms. Kennard can fill out Tinas paperwork. Tina should have had an insurance card in her purse. Bette said.

Julie left with the nurse to fill out the paperwork and locate Tinas purse. Bette was upset that she had no legal rights but she had to let it go and focus her energy on taking care of Tina the only way she could. Bette sat back down and took Tinas hand in hers.

T I dont care what the law says. You are my wife and I will take care of you and make sure that you get the best of care. Bette said.

TBC